Canmore serves as the perfect jumping off point to explore Banff National Park and Kananaskis Country, but don't overlook all there is to see and do right in town. Here, the iconic rugged peaks of the Rockies tower over Main Street, creating a stunning backdrop as you stroll around, shop, eat, and drink. Whatever your personal version of the best things to do in Canmore may be, you'll find it in this charming mountain town.
Best Things to Do in Downtown Canmore
Before we dive into all the fun Canmore activities, it's important to know that the city closes Main Street to vehicles in the summer. From late May through Thanksgiving, the stretch between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue is open to pedestrians and bicycles only, creating a safe, lively, walkable thoroughfare.
1. Start Your Day With Coffee
Downtown Canmore has several fantastic coffee shops, perfect for fueling up for the day's adventures. You honestly can't go wrong with any of them, but Eclipse Coffee Roasters, Beamer's Coffee Bar, and The Pulse are some of the top local favourites.
2. Stroll Policeman's Creek Boardwalk
As far as easy sightseeing trails go, it's hard to top Policeman's Creek. The elevated boardwalk path starts downtown and passes through the forest, leading to outstanding views of the Three Sisters. You can connect to longer hiking trails or, for a morning of family fun in Canmore, stop for a warm drink or treat. Eclipse Coffee Roasters has a second location just off the trail.
3. Walk Across the Historic Engine Bridge
Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, one of the best things to do in Canmore is stroll across the bridge. It spans the Bow River and is one of the best spots for photographing the Three Sisters and Ha Ling Peak. The bridge is also part of the popular 2.1-kilometer (1.3-mile) Bow River Loop Trail if you're up for a longer walk. Keep your eyes open for resident elk hanging around the river.
Pssst...if the bridge seems familiar, you may have seen it in the hit HBO series The Last of Us.
4. Go for a Bike Ride
Prefer to explore on two wheels? Luckily, many of Canmore's sightseeing trails are bicycle-friendly, and most are family-friendly, with level surfaces. You can tour the whole town on an easy 10-kilometer (6.1-mile) loop, ride out to Three Sisters, cruise the Bow River Loop, or even take the Legacy Trail to Banff.
Families will enjoy riding from Millennium Park to the West Canmore Playground. Millennium Park has an awesome bike park suitable for the youngest cyclists, and this route takes you across the Engine Bridge.
Solara Resort & Spa guests can take advantage of free mountain bike rentals, one of the Stay® | Well amenities.
5. Sample Local Brews
One of the best things to do in Canmore, especially after a hike or bike ride, is to relax with a local craft beer. There are a few great breweries in downtown Canmore, including local faves, the Grizzly Paw Pub and Canmore Brewing Company. You can tour Canmore Brewing year-round, and "The Paw" has some of the best views in town. Both breweries are family-friendly.
6. Shop 'Til You Drop
Downtown Canmore is filled with unique local shops and galleries—enough that you could spend a full day just exploring them! This is, of course, subjective, but a few can't-miss shops include Stonewaters, Cafe Books, and Alberta's Own, where you can find one-of-a-kind goods from over 150 local makers.
Art enthusiasts, don't miss the Jeff Walker Gallery, the Indigenous-owned Carter-Ryan Gallery, or the Brandon T. Brown Wilderness Gallery.
7. Eat Your Way Through Town
All that shopping and walking is sure to work up an appetite, and downtown Canmore has plenty of places to satisfy it. Be sure to sample some poutine, fondue, and wild game, all unique local specialties.
Tavern 1883: best burgers in town
Crazyweed: casual fusion restaurant with a bit of everything
Where the Buffalo Roam: great cocktails and weekend brunch
The Wood: elevated pub fare and one of the best patios in town
Ramen Arashi: huge helpings of authentic Japanese ramen at shockingly affordable prices
Rocky Mountain Bagel Co: homemade New York-style bagels and cream cheese
8. Elevation Place
On cold or rainy days, when you just want to be inside, head to Elevation Place. Although it's best known for its indoor rock-climbing wall, Elevation Place is a community centre home to several of the best things to do in Canmore.
Hit the gym, take a dip in the pool, float the lazy river, fly down the water slide, relax in the massive hot tub, or cozy up with a good book in the library. If you're interested in climbing, the centre offers climbing lessons and gear rentals.
Explore Canmore from Solara Resort
With so much to see and do (and eat and drink!), you'll definitely want to stick around for at least a weekend. That's easy to do since Solara Resort is within walking distance of all the top downtown Canmore attractions.
Our ultra-spacious condo-style suites feature top-notch amenities and onsite services for a luxurious vacation. Enjoy the pool, hot tub, spa, sauna, grab and go market, and Stay Well amenities, including perks like complimentary adult mountain bikes, paddleboards, yoga mats, games, and more.
Check out our current packages and special offers, then book your getaway to downtown Canmore!
